r*ANL>  -SMITH* 

Of-   BOOK* 

(*•«:-.   AVfNUB 


MAYA 


MAYA 


A  DRAMA 


BY 

WILLIAM    DUDLEY   FOULKE 

Author  of  "Dorothy  Day"  and 
of  other  books 


NEW  YORK 

THE  COSMOPOLITAN  PRESS 
1911 


Copyright,  1911,  by 
William  Dudley  Foulke 


MAYA 


2209065 


DRAMATIS    PERSONAE 

Pedro  de  Sandoval,  survivor  of  a  wrecked  crew  of  Spaniards 
cast  ashore  on  the  coast  of  Yucatan  previous  to  the  ex- 
ploitation of  that  country,  his  companions  having  been 
previously  sacrificed  to  the  gods  by  the  natives,  and 
Sandoval  himself  held  in  slavery,  from  which  he  escaped. 

Ahpula,  king  of  the  Maya  race,  inhabiting  Yucatan,  with 
his  capital  at  Mani. 

Queen,  wife  of  Ahpula. 

Ahkin  Mai,  high  priest,  and  other  sacrificial  priests. 

Canek,  lord  of  Peten-Itza,  inhabiting  Tayasol,  a  city  upon 
an  island  in  a  lake  in  the  southern  part  of  Yucatan. 

Bacab,  a  spy  of  Canek. 

Maya,  daughter  of  Ahpula. 

Ytzatil,  Zayi  and  other  maidens  attendant  upon  Maya. 

Ambassador  from  Ahpula. 

Maria,  Countess  of  Millaflores. 

Bishop  of  Mereda. 

Priests,  monks,  Spaniards,  natives,  etc. 

The  scene  is  laid  first  at  Mani ;  then  on  the  shore  of  the 
lake  of  Peten-Itza ;  again  at  Mani ;  afterwards  at  Uxmal, 
the  ancient  capital  of  Yucatan  at  Merida. 

Time:  Immediately  preceding  and  following  the  Span- 
ish invasion  of  Yucatan. 


ACT  I 

SCENE   I 

The  scene  discloses  one  of  the  senotes,  or  large  caves,  in 
Yucatan,  with  a  pool  in  the  center  and  an  orifice  above 
from  which  light  comes.  Palm  trees  lean  over  the  orifice 
and  vines  hang  down  from  it.  A  chain  of  vines  twisted 
together  reaches  the  pool.  There  is  a  rock  on  the  right  of 
the  stage  large  enough  to  conceal  a  man's  body  and  pro- 
jecting into  the  pool.  Tropical  flowers  and  plants  grow 
around  the  pool.  SANDOVAL  is  discovered  scantily  and 
meanly  clad,  with  a  bow  of  saplings  and  a  rude  arrow.  He 
has  just  awakened  from  a  long  sleep. 

Sandoval. 

If  but  the  waking  were  the  dream! 

If  but  the  dream  were  true! 
How  softly  did  the  sunlight  stream, 

How  cool  the  breezes  blew! 
Once  more  around  my  boyhood's  home 
Through  verdant  meadows  did  I  roam, 

And  loitered  by  the  brook 
That  chattering  through  the  valley  flowed, 

Then  down  along  the  shady  road 
My  truant  way  I  took. 

And  there  the  white-walled  cottage  stood 

Bedecked  with  rose  and  vine; 
There  browsing  in  the  quiet  wood 

Contented  lowed  the  kine ; 


io  MAYA  ACT  i 

From  the  far  hamlet  rang  the  stroke 
Of  chapel  bell ;  the  laggard  smoke 

Curled  slowly  up  the  sky ; 
The  flock  came  straggling  down  the  lane, 
And  from  the  thicket  gushed  a  strain 

Of  twittering  melody ! 

What  mad  desire  drove  me  from  such  a  home  ? 

Ah,  what  a  land  is  this !    No  glistening  stream, 

No  lake  nor  laughing  water  anywhere 

Save  in  the  dark  recesses  of  these  rocks. 

A  low,  sad  land  with  stunted  hills  and  trees — 

A  sun  that  hurls  its  rays  upon  the  earth 

Till  all  things  hide ;  or  slinks  behind  gray  clouds 

As  sullen  as  the  land.    Hot  airs  that  choke 

The  breath  at  noonday,  and  contagion  bear 

With  chill  of  night.    Thickets  with  serpents  rilled 

And  noisome  insects,  but  no  shade  nor  cheer ! 

I  have  outslept  the  day,  outslept  the  night. 

Ah,  but  how  sweet  the  rest  after  long  toil! 

If  but  a  friend  I  had  in  these  grim  wilds ! 

How  green  the  pool,  and  fresh  and  deep !    But  whence 

Flows  its  clear  current  ?    Outlet  there  is  none, 

Nor  ingress,  yet  the  rocks  give  forth  the  stream 

And  bear  it  hence  away.    There  is  my  chain 

Of  vines.    See  how  it  sways  in  the  faint  breeze 

While  the  leaves  upward  curl !    I  must  ascend 

And  seek  my  food,  for  there  is  none  below. 

[Takes  a  deep  draught  from  the  pool,  then 
looks  again  upon  the  rope  of  vines. 


SCENE  i  MAYA  ii 

Will  the  vines  bear  me  ?    Look !  the  chain  is  loosed 
By  constant  swaying  and  the  lowest  link 
Uncoils.    Quick !    I  must  climb  it  ere  it  part. 

[Climbs  the  rope,  and  just  before  he  reaches 
the  point  inhere  the  lowest  section  was 
fastened  to  the  one  above,  it  parts  and 
he  falls  back  into  the  cavern.  After  a 
pause,  rising,  he  looks  at  the  broken  links 
and  then  around  him,  and  is  gradually 
overcome  by  despair. 

Horrible  fate !    Within  this  tomb  immured 
Here  must  I  waste  and  die !    There  is  no  hope, 
No  food,  no  succor!    Ah,  thrice  happy  they, 
My  lost  companions,  slaughtered  to  the  gods 
Of  this  accursed  land!     The  pang  was  short 
And  there  were  friends  together  when  they  died. 
But  the  long  hunger  and  the  agony 
Alone !    Alone !    See  that  black  vulture  swoop 
Down  through  the  narrow  circle  of  the  sky ! 
His  beak  may  tear  mine  eyeballs  as  I  lie 
Helpless  awaiting  death.     Is  there  no  hope? 
Whence  comes  the  breeze  that  upward  curls  the  leaves? 
See !    See !    A  curving  track  worn  in  the  stone ! 
Whither  it  leads  I  must  discover.    Joy ! 

[SANDOVAL,  following  the  track,  perceives  be- 
hind a  jutting  rock,  invisible  except  from 
a  few  yards'  distance,  an  exit  from  the 
cavern,  a  low  gallery  leading  into  utter 
darkness. 


12  MAYA  ACT  i 

Here  is  deliverance!    Unknown  the  path, 

But  any  fate  is  better  than  this  tomb ! 

[He  disappears.  After  a  few  moments  the 
low  sounds  of  distant  music,  iveird  and 
plaintive,  are  heard,  gradually  becoming 
more  distinct.  SANDOVAL  now  returns 
hastily,  goes  to  the  farther  end  of  the  cav- 
ern and  hides  behind  the  rock  projecting 
into  the  pool.  A  file  of  Indian  maidens 
enter,  led  by  MAYA.  The  others  bear 
fruits  and  flowers,  have  jars  upon  their 
shoulders,  and  carry  lighted  fagots, 
which  they  set  down  before  the  entrance. 

Chorus  of  Maidens. 

Honor  to  Ixtab, 
Keeper  of  Paradise ! 
Praise  let  us  offer  her, 
Fruits  let  us  bear. 
Glory  to  Ixchel, 
Goddess  of  healing, 
Flowers  let  us  bring  to  her 
Fragrant  and  fair! 

[  They  briny  their  jars  to  the  pool,  they  splash 
their  feet  in  the  clear  water,  they  fill  the 
vessels  and  set  them  down  by  the  margin. 
Then  they  sit  down  themselves,  and,  di- 
viding some  fruit  and  cakes  of  maize 
which  they  have  brought  with  them,  they 
begin  to  talk. 
Zayi.  A  golden  anklet  for  the  coming  feast 

My  brother  promised  me  if  I  would  make 


SCENE  i  MAYA  13 

For  him  a  robe  broidered  in  feather  work, 
With  yellow  sun  and  serpent  Kukulcan 
Bedecked  with  feathers  worshiping.    The  robe 
Is  ready.    To  thy  wedding  will  I  go, 
With  anklet  shining  bright  as  thine,  sweet  queen. 

Ytzatil.     Come  let  us  sing  our  bride  song  for  the  feast. 
Chorus.  Proud  Peten-Itza, 

Warrior  Canek, 
Prudent  and  crafty, 
Comes  for  his  bride, — 
Maya,  the  fairest 
Daughter  of  Mani, 
Heir  of  the  kingdom, 
Sits  at  his  side. 

Maya.  Maidens,  cease  your  song. 

The  suit  of  Peten-Itza  brings  no  joy. 
Small  hope  of  golden  days  with  that  grim  lord 
In  his  far  island  city.    If  you  deem 
My  lot  so  happy,  which  of  you  will  ask 
To  follow  me  ? 

Zayi.  I  will  go  with  thee. 

Another.  I. 

Another.     And  I. 
Others.  And  I. 

Maya.  What !    All  ?    You  little  know 

The  fate  you  seek. 

Ytzatil.  Yet  no  fate  can  be  hard, 

O  morning  sunbeam,  that  we  share  with  thee, 
Whom  all  things  love,  even  the  very  birds 
That  hover  with  caresses  round  thy  hand. 

Maya.     But  with  me,  children,  you  may  not  abide 


14  MAYA  ACT  i 

If  suitors  come  to  claim  you.     Know  you  then 
What  manner  of  men  are  Peten-Itza's  lords? 

Ytzatil  [laughing].     To  me  it  matters  not.    A  charm 

have  I 
To  bring  me  one  brave,  tall  and  strong  and  fair. 

[Produces  a  trinket,  a  grotesque  figure  in  clay, 
from  the  folds  of  her  dress  and  shows  it 
to  MAYA. 

Zayi  [laughing}.     Ah,  lend  it  me  until  my  lover  comes! 
[Tries  to  seize  it.     YTZATIL  flees  and  Zayi 
pursues   her  around  the   margin  of  the 
pool  to  the  place  where  SANDOVAL  is  con- 
cealed.   She  perceives  him. 

Ytzatil.  Oh,  look !  A  dreadful  god !  Come,  let  us  flee ! 
[She  runs  headlong  to  the  entrance  of  the  cav- 
ern, seizes  a  fagot  and  escapes.  The 
others  follow.  MAYA  remains  and  looks 
quietly  toward  the  corner  where  SANDO- 
VAL is  concealed.  He  comes  from  his 
hiding-place  and  holds  out  his  hand  in 
supplication. 

Maya  [after  a  pause].    Art  thou  the  god  of  this  senote? 
Sandoval.  Nay. 

Only  a  man,  poor,  hungry,  with  no  friends. 
Oh,  pity  me !    Let  me  not  perish  here, 
Nor  die  by  sacrifice ! 

[SANDOVAL  sinks  on  his  knee,  plucks  a  morsel 
of  earth  and   brings  it  to   his  heart  in 
token  of  submission.    A  smile  of  compas- 
sion steals  over  MAYA'S  countenance. 
Maya.  Where  is  thy  home  ? 


SCENE  i  MAYA  15 

Why  hast  thou  come  to  a  strange  land  where  none 
Know  who  thou  art  ?    What  has  befallen  thee  ? 

Sandoval.     My  native  land  is  far  across  the  sea 
Close  to  the  sunrise.    In  a  vast  canoe 
With  wings,  borne  by  the  winds,  we  came.    A  storm 
Wrecked  the  great  vessel.    In  a  little  boat 
For  thirteen  dreadful  days  of  quenchless  thirst 
We  drifted,  and  we  cast  one  after  one 
Our  comrades'  corpses  into  the  steaming  sea. 
At  last  we  reached  a  low  flat  shore  and  sank 
Upon  the  sand  in  utter  weariness. 

With  screams  a  troop  of  dark-skinned  men  sprang  forth 
From  the  close  thickets.     We  were  bound  and  held 
For  sacrifice  until  one  dreadful  morn 
Our  chief  and  four  companions  were  dragged  forth 
Up  a  steep  pyramid,  their  hearts  torn  out 
And  thrown  into  the  face  of  the  stern  god 
That  grinned  upon  the  summit.     Wild  the  feast 
And  drunken  rout  that  followed  till  our  guards 
Slept,  while  we  gnawed  our  bonds  and  madly  fled 
Through  the  grim  wilderness.     Then  seized  again 
We  pined  in  hopeless  slavery.     I,  who  saw 
The  remnant  of  our  band  thus  perishing, 
Resolved  upon  a  second  flight  alone, 
Content  to  be  the  comrade  of  the  deer, 
The  wildcat  and  the  serpent — better  far 
Than  endless  bondage  with  its  stripes  and  toil ! 
Here  are  its  marks,  scars  of  the  lash  unhealed. 
Then  the  pools  dried  and  water  failed.     No  streams 
Nor  brooks  nor  fountains!     Thirsting  unto  death 
To  this  deep  cavern  I  descended.     There 


i6  MAYA  ACT  i 

The  broken  chain  of  vines  down  which  I  climbed, 
Thou  knowest  the  rest.    Behold  me  here,  thy  slave! 

[He  sinks  to  the  ground  and  kisses  the  hem 

of  her  garment. 
Pity  and  save ! 

Maya,     [quietly.]     Come  with  me,  have  no  fear. 

[Shows  him  a  recess  in  the  rocks  covered  with 
•vines.  She  takes  the  mantle  from  her 
shoulders  and  throws  it  over  him.  Then 
she  returns  and  walks  across  the  senate 
toward  the  entrance  of  the  cavern. 

[Reflecting.]     How  could  I  see  those  blue  eyes  turned 
On  me  while  on  the  sacrifical  stone  he  lies  ? 

But  how  to  save  him?     Here  he  cannot  stay. 

My  father's  men  will  find  him  and  his  fate 

Is  certain  death,  for  Ahkin  Mai  fails  not 

In  duty  to  the  gods!    Ah,  what  a  doom!  [She  shudders.] 

When  Peten-Itza  comes  to  claim  my  hand 

I  must  depart,  while  this  poor  wanderer 

Remains  alone  to  die!     It  shall  not  be! 

Did  not  my  maidens  take  him  for  a  god? 

Gods  walk  the  earth.     Even  great  Zamna  came 

And  taught  us  laws  and  writing  and  the  ways 

Of  sun  and  stars  and  healing.     Kukulcan 

Changed  into  form  of  man  his  serpent  guise, 

And  Chilan  Balam's  books  of  prophecies 

Foretell  a  god  shall  come  across  the  sea. 

The  god  is  here,  so  Ytzatil  declared. 

All  will  believe.     But  the  real  deities! 

Will  they  avenge  the  guile,  or  bend  their  smiles 


SCENE  i  MAYA  17 

On  me  in  pity?     Let  me  learn  their  will. 

[She  picks  up  a  handful  of  maize  and  holds  it 

forth. 

Zahuy!  goddess!     Vestal  fair! 
Will  they  punish?    Will  they  spare? 
What  will  please  the  gods  in  heaven? 
Wrill  they  send  me  happy  days? 
Let  me  count  the  grains  of  maize.     [Counts.] 
Ay,  they  smile!  the  tale  is  even! 
Here  are  the  jars.    I  must  recall  my  maidens. 

[Goes    out.     Orchestra.     Returns,    followed 

by  her  suite. 

Zayi.     Thanks  to  the  Ixchel,  thou  art  safe  and  well ! 
Ytzatil.     Did   he   not   harm   thee?     Whither   has   he 

gone  ? 

Maya.     Fairest  of  gods  he  was,  and  harmed  me  not. 
When  flowers  for  sacrifice  I  vowed,  he  smiled 
And  glided  o'er  the  water  to  my  side, 
Then  rose  from  the  deep  pool  in  the  thin  air 
Through  the  cave's  mouth  and  floated  up  to  heaven. 
Zayi.     But  whence  came  this  fair  god?     Where  is  his 

home? 

Maya.     Close  to  the  sunrise,  far  across  the  sea. 
There  did  he  build  great  palaces  of  clouds 
And  lay  when  weary  in  their  shining  halls. 
Then  scattering  them  at  will,  he  leaped  to  earth 
And  walked  among  his  people,  sent  them  rain 
Or  sun  as  they  might  need,  and  learned  their  ways. 
The  wicked  he  destroyed;  the  just  he  crowned 
With  blessings.     When  the  land  with  plenty  smiled, 
He  thought  of  other  climes  where  cruel  strife 


1 8  MAYA  ACT  i 

And  drought  and  famine  laid  their  heavy  hands 
Upon  the  suffering  earth.     These  lands  to  seek 
A  great  canoe  he  fashioned  with  white  wings 
And  guided  it  along  the  ocean  stream. 

And  often  to  the  skies 

On  the  seagull's  wings  he'd  rise 
To  gaze  afar  if  land  he  might  discover. 

But  shoreless  was  the  deep 

Though  the  clouds  in  masses  steep 
Did  as  mountains  on  the  gray  horizon  hover. 

Anon  he  changed  his  form, 

And  plunging  through  the  storm 
With  serpents  and  sea  monsters  did  he  rollick ; 

Dive  and  swim  and  sport  and  blow, 

Through  the  swelling  billows  go 
With  the  flying-fish  and  dolphins  in  their  frolic. 

Again  within  his  boat 

Would  he  sit  and  calmly  float, 
The  laughing  ripples  round  his  pathway  shining ; 

Till  the  swelling  sails  he  spread 

And  along  the  waters  sped 
To  the  golden  sunset  and  the  day's  declining. 

Thus  many  moons  he  fared, 

And  storm  and  sunshine  shared, 
Until  upon  the  Maya  shores  he  landed. 

Now  would  he  seek  the  king 

And  aid  and  counsel  bring, 
To  win  the  tribes  that  in  revolt  are  banded. 


SCENE  i  MAYA  19 

And  soon  shall  come  the  day 

When  Ahpula  shall  bear  sway 
O'er  all  our  warring  factions  reunited ; 

And  Uxmal,  as  of  yore, 

To  its  ancient  state  restore, 
And  justice  speak,  till  every  wrong  be  righted. 

That  the  glory  of  our  race 

May  shine  in  every  place 
As  sovereign  lord  must  he  appear  before  you. 

Then  array  him  like  a  king 

When  the  stranger  god  you  bring 
To  share  Ahpula's  wide  dominion  o'er  you. 

And  thus  in  pomp  arrayed,  the  stranger  god 

Shall  we  lead  forth  to  Mani,  like  a  king. 

But  until  all  is  ready  tell  to  none 

What  you  have  seen,  nor  stir  my  father's  wrath 

Against  you  that  you  left  me  here  alone 

When  the  god  first  you  saw. 

Zayi.  We  will  obey. 

Ikal.     We  love  thee 

Ytzatil.  And  we  fear  thy  punishment! 

Maya. 

Bear  you  the  water  jars  without  the  cave. 
Await  me  in  the  gardens  of  the  king. 

[The  maidens  withdraw.  MAYA  goes  to  the 
recess  where  SANDOVAL  is  concealed  and 
draws  aside  the  vines  that  hang  in  front 
of  it.  SANDOVAL  comes  forth. 


20  MAYA  ACT  i 

Didst  hear  my  tale  ?     No  ?     Then  I  must  tell  thee  all. 

My  maidens  took  thee  for  a  stranger  god. 

And  one  with  fair  locks  and  blue  eyes  like  thine 

Our  books  of  prophecy  have  long  foretold. 

Therefore  we  will  array  thee  like  a  god, 

And  when  the  robes  are  ready  we  will  come 

And  lead  thee  to  the  palace  of  the  king, 

My  father,  at  whose  side  thou  shalt  abide. 

Sandoval.     Thy  father,  king  of  Mani !    What  am  I  ? 

[He  kneels  and  kisses  the  hem  of  her  robe. 
That  thou  shouldn't  pity  me?  [She  raises  him. 

Nay,  gracious  queen! 

Maya.     Ahpula  is  the  king  of  all  the  tribes 
That  bear  the  Maya  name,  a  name  he  gave 
His  daughter  when  her  infant  brother  died, 
For  in  her  was  the  hope  of  all  her  race. 
Here  do  we  dwell  to-day,  but  far  away, 
Where  the  low  hills  slope  southward,  is  a  burg 
Fairest  of  all,  builded  in  ancient  days — 
Great  Uxmal.     There  our  royal  fathers  reigned 
Till  war  between  the  tribes  destruction  wrought 
To  the  proud  race.     Then  those  who  still  were  true 
Followed  the  king  in  exile,  built  a  town 
Called  "Mani" — "It  is  past" — for  the  great  days 
Were  gone,  and  here  in  echoes  faint  we  reign 
Of  the  proud  worship  and  imperial  pomp 
Of  mighty  Uxmal.     Me,  last  of  the  line, 
Chief  of  the  sacred  sisterhood,  they  made, — 
Those  daughters  of  the  Sun  who  keep  alive 
The  fire  within  his  shrine,  and  fruits  and  flowers 
Bear  to  the  goddesses.     Thus  have  I  learned 


SCEXE  i  MAYA  21 

The  lore  of  priests  and  gods. 

Sandoval.  What  must  I  do 

VV7hen  to  the  king  I  come? 

Maya.  Stand  thou  erect. 

And  bid  him  kneel,  for  thus  do  kings  to  gods. 
Speak  in  thy  native  tongue,  and  what  he  asks 
Answer  in  that  alone. 

Sandoval.  How  shall  he  learn 

What  I  have  spoken? 

Maya.  Though  I  know  it  not, 

I  will  maintain  it  is  the  speech  of  gods 
Which  thou  hast  taught  me.     I  will  be  thy  voicr 
And  make  reply  that  all  shall  be  content. 
Hut  thou  must  ever  do  what  I  declare, 
And  ever  at  my  side  must  thou  abide, 
Lest  they  discover  thee. 

Sandoval.  Whate'er  thou  bid'st, 

That  will  I  do.     For  am  I  not  thy  slave  ? 

Maya.     [Strangely  distraught, — after  a  pause.]     Each 

day  I  come  again  to  bear  thee  food 
Till  all  shall  be  prepared.     Farewell. 

Sandoval.  Farewell. 

[MAYA  retires. 
The  dream  is  idle.     Can  she  look  on  me, 

She,  King  Ahpula's  daughter, 
On  me,  a  wretched  outcast,  by  her  hand 
Raised  and  redeemed  from  slaughter? 

Can  she,  a  priestess,  to  the  immortal  gods 

Forever  consecrated, 
Defile  her  sacred  order,  break  her  vow, 

And  with  a  man  be  mated? 


22  MAYA  ACT   I 


Ah,  no!     'Tis  pity  only  moves  her  heart 

My  wretched  life  to  save, 
And  I  must  live  forever  at  her  side 

Content  to  be  her  slave! 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  I.     Same. 

Sandoval. 
Dark  as  the  night  were  the  eyes  of  the  maiden, 

Yet  shining  within  like  the  stars  in  the  skies, — 
With  tears  of  compassionate  tenderness  laden, 

They  gazed  on  my  sorrows  and  bade  me  arise. 

How    thoughtful   the   brow   that   was   crowned   by    the 

tresses 

That  fell  from  her  shoulders,  black,  braided,  and  long, 
While  her  accents,  from  lips  that  were  made  for  caresses, 
Turned  speech  into  music  and  words  into  song! 

[Retires  into  the  recess  covered  with  vines. 
MAYA  enters  and  pauses  at  the  entrance 
of  the  senate. 
Maya.          Shining  and  fair 

Are  the  robes  I  bear 
To  array  the  new  god  for  the  king. 
The  mantle  is  white 
And  the  sandals  bright, 
And   sparkling  the  gems  of  the  ring. 

The  sword  is  keen 

And  the  plumage  green, 
From  the  quetzal  crown  that  nods; 

And  the  necklace  bright 

With  the  opal's  light, 
They  are  garments  worthy  of  gods! 


24  MAYA  ACT  ii 

The  chieftains  wait 

At  the  palace  gate. 
The  nobles  and  priests  are  there — 

Till  the  stranger  I  bring 

To  confront  the  king 
And  the  will  of  the  gods  declare. 

But  how  shall  I  tell 

(He  should  fancy  it  well!) 
The  secret  that  hides  in  my  breast. 

For  I  must  abide 

As  a  wife  at  his  side 
To  pronounce  the  god's  behest. 

Yet  never  a  word 

Of  love  have  I  heard. 
And  whenever  he  kneels  at  my  side, 

His  bosom  will  swell 

And  the  hot  tears  well, 
But  he  asks  not  to  make  me  his  bride. 

Is  it  deep  despair, 
Is  it  sorrow  and  care, 
That  preys  on  the  wanderer's  cheek? 
Would  he  be  but  my  slave 

For  the  life  I  gave  ? 
Alas !    It  is  I  must  speak ! 

[Approaches  the  recess  where  SANDOVAL  is 
concealed. 


SCENE  i  MAYA  25 

All  is  prepared.     The  garments  I  have  brought. 
SANDOVAL  appears, 

Let  me  array  thee,  for  the  king  doth  wait 

With  chiefs  and  priests  and  a  great  multitude, 

And  they  will  question  thee  that  they  may  know 

Thou  art  a  god  indeed  ;  for  much  amazed 

Was  King  Ahpula  when  I  told  the  tale 

How  in  the  cave  we  found  thee.     He  had  planned 

To  wed  me  to  a  chieftain  of  the  south, — 

Canek,  the  lord  of  Peten-Itza's  isle, 

A  crafty  ruler  of  a  mighty  tribe, 

And  win  his  aid  to  crush  the  rebel  hordes 

That  still  hold  out  against  us.     But  I  said 

That  Peten-Itza's  vows  were  words  of  guile, 

That  thou  alone  couldst  save  the  royal  house, 

And  that  to  thee  his  daughter  should  be  given, 

And  not  to  Canek.     For  my  lord  must  know 

[Turning  away  her  face. 
If  I  may  save  him  I  must  be  his  wife. 

Sandoral.     [Greatly  agitated.]     But  stay!    Thy  vow! 

For  art  thou  not  the  chief 
Of  the  Sun's  vestals?     How  then  canst  thou  wed? 

Maya,     It  is  allowed  the  virgins  of  the  temple. 

Sandoval.      [Embracing  her,  his  face  transfigured  with 

joy.] 
What!     May  I  dwell  forever  more  beside  thee. 

Within  my  arms  thy  gracious  form  enfold? 
And  vow  eternal  faith  whate'er  betide  thee 

And  breathe  such  love  as  never  yet  was  told? 


26  MAYA  ACT  ii 

Oh,  queen !  the  heavens  themselves  bend  down  to  bless  thee, 
A  brighter  glow  adorns  the  morning  sky, 

The  breezes  fan  their  soft  wings  to  caress  thee, 
All  nature  sings  and  smiles  when  thou  art  by! 

Maya. 
O,  love,  how  shamed  am  I  that  I  did  woo  thee, 

That  all  unsought  my  passion  I  confessed ! 
That  I,  a  queen,  like  a  poor  slave  did  sue  thee 

Ere  thou  didst  own  the  flame  that  filled  thy  breast! 

CURTAIN. 


ACT    II 
SCENE  II. 

Palace  of  AHPULA  at  Mani.  On  the  right  center  a 
terrace  surmounted  by  a  broad  flight  of  steps,  with  the  pal- 
ace on  top.  On  the  left  is  the  temple  of  the  Sun,  on  an- 
other terrace,  nearly  the  same  height.  A  procession  appears 
from  the  right,  ivith  the  KING  in  a  litter,  and  at  his  side 
SANDOVAL,  AHKIN  MAI,  priests,  MAYA  and  her  maidens, 
and  a  multitude  following.  The  KING,  SANDOVAL,  and 
AHKIN  MAI,  followed  by  MAYA,  mount  the  steps  to  the 
platform  in  the  front  of  the  three  doors  of  the  palace.  The 
maidens  and  the  multitude  remain  below.  SANDOVAL 
speaks  in  his  own  tongue.  {Rendered  only  by  the  orches- 
tra.} MAYA,  who  has  followed  him,  stands  by  his  side  and 
thus  interprets. 

Maya. 

O  King  Ahpula,  (is  his  word,) 

Hear  the  pale  god's  command ! 
Kneel !    Take  his  blessing !    Kiss  the  sword 
He  beareth  in  his  hand ! 

[AHPULA  kneels  and  kisses  the  sword  which 
SANDOVAL  offers  him.  The  multitude 
below  also  kneel.  SANDOVAL  speaks 
again  in  the  unknown  tongue,  and  MAYA 
thus  interprets. 


28  MAYA  ACT  n 

Maya. 

Well  hast  thou  done,  O  king.     Arise! 

Hereafter,  side  by  side, 
Forever  bound   by   love's  strong  ties 

As  bridegroom  to  his  bride, 
Shall  we  together  rule  the  land, 

Together  guide  the  state, 
And  sheltered  by  a  god's  strong  hand 
Thy  kingdom  shall  grow  great. 

[The    HIGH     PRIEST    now    offers    flowers 
brought  fro?n  within  the  palace.     SAND- 
OVAL  speaks  again,  and   MAYA  renders 
the  meaning  of  his  ivords. 
Though  small  the  need,  thy  gifts  I  take — 

For  how  should  he  lack  flowers 
Beneath  whose  breath  the  blossoms  break 

In  roses  on  your  bowers? 
Yet  dearer  far  than  aught  you  give 

In  nature  or  in  art 
I  prize  your  deeds,  the  lives  you  live. 
The  tributes  of  the  heart. 

[Chorus  from  the  multitude  below,  who  pros- 
trate themselves  upon  the  ground,  touch 
their  fingers  to  the  earth,  and  place  them 
upon  their  hearts  in  token  of  worship. 
Chorus. 

Thus  speak  the  gods!     This  is  a  god  indeed, 
Dropped  from  the  skies  to  help  us  in  our  need! 
Ahkin    Mai    [with    embarrassment.]      How    long,    O 

mighty  one,  before  the  feast 
To  Chaac,  the  god  of  cornfields?     What  the  prayers 


SCENE  H  MAYA  29 

And  solemn  rites  which  we  must  offer  him? 

[SANDOVAL  speaks  and  MAYA  thus  interprets. 
Maya.     O  Ahkin  Mai,  why  ask  what  thou  dost  know? 
Not  twice  eight  times  the  Cross  has  climbed  the  skies 
Since  thou  didst  mount  the  temple  stairs  and  there 
Didst  put  the  self-same  question  to  the  stars — 
The  immortal  stars  that  never  speak  in  vain — 
And  they  did  answer  thee.     Why  ask  again? 

Ahkin  Mai.     True,  mighty  one,  the  stars  can  never  lie, 
Yet  old  am  I,  and  my  poor  eyes  grow  dim. 

Sandoval.     [By  MAYA.]     But  upon  every  temple  in 

the  land 

A  priest  went  forth  that  night  and  made  report. 
Each  answer  was  the  same.     How  couldst  thou  doubt? 

[AHKIN  MAI,  overwhelmed  with  confusion, 

is  silent. 

Chorus.     Try  him  no  more.    Let  all  in  worship  kneel ! 
Doubt  not  his  power  lest  we  his  vengeance  feel! 

[All  kneel. 

Ahpula.     To  this  high  festival  shall  Canek  come, 
Fierce  Peten-Itza's  lord.     My  daughter's  hand 
He  seeks,  and  I  have  promised  it.     His  aid 
He  offers  to  subdue  the  rebel  tribes. 
Dost  thou  know  Canek?     Shall  I  trust  his  word? 

Sandoval.     [By   MAYA.]     I  know  him,  for  the  gods 

are  quick  to  learn — 
And  once  I  visited  his  island  city 

And  through  the  streets  of  Tayasal 

In  serpent  form  did  glide, 
And  stole  into  his  council  hall 
And  hid  me  at  his  side. 


30  MAYA  ACT  ii 

And  there  I  heard  the  faithless  plot 

He  laid  to  win  thy  throne, 
I  came  to  warn  thee.     Trust  him  not ! 

But  guard  thy  crown  alone! 

With  many  a  warrior  will  he  come 

In  peaceful  garb  arrayed, 
And  prone  before  thee  bend  his  plume 

And  pledge  his  proffered  aid, 

While  underneath  the  girdle  hid 

Each  man  will  wear  a  knife, 
And  at  the  feast,  by  Canek  bid, 

Will  draw  it  forth  for  strife. 

Thee  and  thy  chieftains  will  they  kill, 

Thy  honored  queen  enslave, 
Thy  land  with  flame  and  havoc  fill 

Till  Mani  yawns — a  grave ! 

It  is  not  meet  thy  daughter  wed 

Her  father's  deadliest  foe, — 
The  aid  thou  seek'st  I  grant  instead, 

Through  me  thy  realm  shall  grow. 

And  since  gods  speak  a  tongue  unknown 

To  mortals,  and  will  tell 
Their  high  behests  to  one  alone, 

And  one  they  cherish  well, 


SCENE  ii  MAYA  31 

40 

Therefore  I  choose  me  for  my  voice 

That  with  me  must  abide — 
And  do  thou,  King,  confirm  my  choice — 

Thy  daughter  as  my  bride. 

Ahpula.     [To  the  multitude.] 

So  let  it  be.     The  feast  prepare 

A  god  our  child  has  won ! 
And  with  her  let  the  bridegroom  share 

The  temple  of  the  Sun. 
Chorus. 

Come,  let  us  haste,  the  feast  prepare — 

A  god  our  queen  has  won! 
And  we  must  deck  with  garlands  rare 

The  temple  of  the  Sun. 

Now  happy  days  and  golden  hours 

Shall  bless  the  Maya  land, 
While  plenteous  crops  and  cooling  showers 

Are  scattered  by  his  hand ! 

CURTAIN. 


ACT    II 

SCENE  III.     The  same. 

Midnight.  Full  moon.  MAYA  and  SANDOVAL  on  the 
platform  in  front  of  the  Temple  of  the  Sun.  The  escort 
which  has  attended  them  now  withdraws.  The  torches 
are  put  out  and  the  banners  furled. 

Sandoval.     Ah!    My  own! 
Now  at  last  are  we  alone! 

All  are  gone!   The  banners  furled, 
Quenched  the  torches,  stilled  the  voices, 
Hushed  the  rude  carousal's  noises, 

And  we  two  are  all  the  world ! 

Maya.     Thou  art  mine! 
Ah !  how  bright  thy  blue  eyes  shine ! 

Be,  then,  wise  and  great  and  brave 
Like  the  god  I  have  declared  thee! 
Bless  the  realm  I  have  prepared  thee, 

And  my  king  and  people  save! 

Blessed  fate! 
More  than  royal  is  my  state! 

Never  lingering  behind ; 
I  shall  ever  keep  beside  thee, 
Share  the  lot  the  fates  provide  thee, 

Happiest  of  womankind! 


34  MAYA  ACT  ii 

Long  may  we  thus  abide ! 
Long  may  the  dread 

Yuncemil,  who  cuts  short  men's  days, 
Falter  and  hesitate  ere  on  thy  head, 

Crowned  with  these  golden  locks,  he  lays 
His  skeleton  hand  to  tear  thee  from  my  side! 
But  should  he  come,  I  too  will  follow  him 
And  make  the  dreadful  journey  to  the  world 
Of  spirits.     There  together  shall  we  walk 
Between  the  crags  that  hang  on  either  side 
The  narrow  path  to  crush  the  fearful  hearts 
Of  the  unworthy.     Thee  they  shall  not  harm, 
For  I  with  my  great  love  will  shelter  thee 
Until  thou  pass.     When  we  together  meet 
The  worm  whose  huge  bulk  writhes  along  the  plain, 
We  shall  not  fear  him,  for  his  sting  destroys 
None  but  the  craven  souls  that  flee.     The  "Wind 
Of  Knives"  shall  beat  in  vain  the  while  we  cross 
The  desert's  eight  and  nine  great  streams  that  flow 
Past  islands  of  the  dead — there  must  I  lean 
On  thy  strong  arm,  for  thou  dost  know  the  ways 
Of  the  waters,  that  they  overwhelm  us  not. 
And  when  we  reach  the  gardens  of  the  blest, 
Ixtab  the  goddess  will  come  forth  to  meet 
Ahpula's  child,  and  thee  too  will  she  greet 
When  I  shall  tell  her  that  thou  art  my  love. 
And  she  will  lead  us  to  the  Tree  of  Life, 
Yaxche,  whose  branches  wide  stretch  o'er  the  flood, 
And  there  the  maids  of  Paradise  shall  spread 
Our  tables,  bring  us  food  and  wine,  and  I 
Shall  sing  to  thee  in  the  cool  shade  forever. 


SCENE  in  MAYA  35 

Thus  will  it  be  with  us,  if  thou  shalt  die ; 

But  if  I  go  before  thee,  I  will  ask 

Ixtab,  the  queen,  to  change  me  to  a  bird, 

And  homeward  will  I  spread  my  wings  and  fly 

Back  to  thy  home  and  mine,  and  thou  shalt  see  me 

Flitting  among  the  boughs,  and  at  thy  door 

I'll  flutter  and  upon  thy  shoulder  light, 

And  loud  and  clear  I'll  sing  when  thou  art  glad 

And  soft  and  low  when  thou  art  filled  with  grief, — 

To  bring  thee  comfort.     Thou  wilt  not  forget? 

For  shouldst  thou  seek  another  bride,  my  voice 

Will  choke  and  my  wings  droop  and  I  will  hide 

From  thee  and  mourn. 

Sandoval.  I    seek    another   bride? 

Forget  thee?     If  my  heart  shall  ever  beat 
With  any  thought  untwined  with  love  of  thee 
May  it  be  still  forever! 

Maya.      [Releasing  him  and  gazing  into  his  eyes.]    Be 

then  true 

Not  in  this  life  alone,  but  through  the  shades 
Of  Mitnal.     When  thou  comest  after  me, 
I  will  be  with  thee  on  the  dreadful  way. 
I  will  caress  thy  cheek  with  my  soft  plumes 
And  sing  a  song  of  triumph  in  thine  ear 
'Mid  the  dark  terrors.    Ixtab  will  I  call, 
To  tell  her  thou  art  coming,  and  prepare 
Thy  home  and  mine  under  the  Tree  of  Life, 
Where  I  shall  be  thy  bride  again  and  dwell 
With  thee  forever. 

Sandoval.  Hereafter  let  us  speak 

Of  gods  and  paradise,  but  for  to-night 


36  MAYA  ACT  H 

Think  only  of  our  love.     There  is  no  heaven 
That  is  not  lighted  by  thy  shining  eyes,  no  earth 
Unpressed  by  footfall  of  thy  dainty  feet! 

Maya.     But  why,  my  love,  should  we  put  off  the  time 
When  we  shall  know  each  other  utterly? 
Nay,  tell  me  now  the  secrets  of  thy  faith. 

Sandoval.     Hard  is  it  to  relate  for  one  unskilled. 
Three-fold  our  God.     The  Father  of  us  all, 
Who  did  the  world  create;  next,  His  dear  Son, 
Who  died  upon  the  Cross  to  save  mankind; 
And  from  these  two  proceed  the  Holy  Ghost, 
The  Comforter.     To  testify  of  these, — 
The  Church,  the  angels,  martyrs,  and  the  saints, 
All  who  believe  and  crown  their  firm  belief 
With  holy  life, — the  joys  of  heaven  may  share, 
And  the  bright  vision  of  the  great  white  throne. 
While  those  who  sin  are  cast  for  penance  due 
Long  time  in  purgatory — or  in  hell 
Endure  forever  pain  and  torments  dire. 

Maya.     But  when  the  joys  of  heaven  thou  shalt  attain 
Am  I  to  be  thy  bride? 

Sandoval.      [After  a  silence.]     That  know  I  not. 
So  great  our  happiness  we  shall  not  miss 
The  transient  love  of  earth. 

Maya.  Didst  thou  not  say 

There  was  no  heaven  for  thee  where  my  eyes 
Could  never  shine?     Didst  thou  not  promise  me 
That  thou  wouldst  ne'er  forget?     Art  thou  content 
To  be  my  husband  for  a  few  brief  years? 


SCENE  HI  MAYA  37 

Thy  love  is  not  like  mine ! 

[Her  head  falls  in  grief  upon  his  breast.    He 
stands  irresolute,  but  cannot  comfort  her. 
At  last,  with  an  overpowering  impulse, 
he  passionately  presses  her  to  his  heart. 
Sandoval.  Nay,  my  beloved, 

Ne'er  will  I  leave  thee,  neither  on  earth,  in  heaven, 
Nor  midst  the  pains  of  hell !     Where'er  thou  art 
There  will  I  be.     Beneath  the  Tree  of  Life 
Will  we  together  dwell,  and  all  thy  gods 
And  dreams  of  paradise,  they  shall  be  mine! 

[She  stands  erect  in  the  moonlight  and  her 
face  is  transfigured  by  her  joy.  Then 
they  walk  hand  in  hand  into  the  bridal 
chamber  and  draw  together  the  heavy 
curtains  that  shut  out  the  world. 


ACT   II 
SCENE  IV. 

Peten-Itza.  Shore  of  a  lake.  On  the  right  is  an  island 
in  the  distance  crowned  by  the  pyramids,  the  temples,  and 
the  loiv  white  houses  of  Tayasal.  CANEK.  and  his  war- 
riors disembark  from  their  canoes  and  advance  to  meet 
the  embassy  from  AHPULA,  advancing  on  the  left  with 
SANDOVAL  and  MAYA  at  its  head  in  litters.  When  they 
reach  the  shore  they  descend  from  the  litters  and  stand 
awaiting  the  old  chief.  As  CANEK  approaches  and  sees 
the  thick  tresses  and  dark  eyes  of  MAYA  and  her  uncon- 
scious majesty,  a  great  desire  possesses  him. 

Canek.     [Apart.]     When  King  Ahpula's  daughter  I 

shall  wed 

This  maid  shall  be  my  slave,  for  there  is  none 
Like  her  upon  the  earth! 

[Making  his  obeisance  to  SANDOVAL. 
[Aloud.]     O  thou  who  comest 
From  the  great  king,  what  message  dost  thou  bring? 

[SANDOVAL  speaks  to  MAYA  apart  (rendered 
by  the  orchestra),  and  she  thus  interprets. 

Sandoval.     [By  MAYA.] 
More  than  Ahpula's  messenger  am  I. 

I  am  the  god  your  prophets  have  foretold, 
And  all  your  inmost  thoughts  I  can  descry 

And  your  most  secret  purposes  unfold. 

Hither  I  came  your  hearts  and  lives  to  mould ; 


40  MAYA  ACT  ii 

But  my  deep  counsels  will  I  never  share 

Save  in  the  speech  of  gods!     These  I  withhold 
Till  she,  my  priestess,  shall  the  message  bear, 
And   from   the   god's   own    tongue   their   meaning   shall 

declare. 

Canek.    [Eyeing  him  doubtfully.}    What  says  the  king? 
[SANDOVAL  speaks,  and  MAYA,  flushing  with 

anger,  thus  interprets. 
Sandoval  [by  Maya.}      Rich  gifts  Ahpula  sends  and  still 

he  seeks 

Thy  love  and  friendship,  but  his  daughter's  hand 
Thou  canst  not  have,  for  I  have  wedded  her, 
And  she  is  here,  my  priestess  and  my  bride. 

Canek.      [Eyeing  her  gloomily,  then,  after  a  pause,  to 

his  own  followers  in  uncontrollable  rage.} 
Seize  the  false  god !     Drag  him  to  Tayasal, 
And  with  him  sacrifice  his  followers  all! 
Their  hearts  shall  smoke!     Their  lives  he  cannot  save! 
Bind  the  king's  daughter!     She  shall  be  my  slave! 

[His  followers,  filled  with  awe  at  the  com- 
manding presence  of  the  stranger,  trem- 
ble and  no  man  moves.  CANEK  draws 
his  bow. 

Cowards!     What  fear  ye?     Let  mine  arrow  speed, 
For  man  he  is,  no  god.     Look!     He  shall  bleed! 

[Discharges  his  bow.  MAYA  leaps  in  front  of 
SANDOVAL  and  receives  the  arrow  on  her 
arm.  Their  followers  draw  their  boivs. 
CANEK'S  men  retreat  in  dismay,  and  one 
of  them  falls;  the  others  bear  him  off. 


SCENE  iv  MAYA  41 

Chorus.     Quick!     Let  us  flee!     His  life  doth  bear  a 

charm. 
Offend  no  more  a  god  thou  canst  not  harm. 

[CANEK,  left  alone,  is  forced  to  follow  them. 
They   embark   in   their  canoes.      MAYA 
falls. 
Maya.     No,  love,  it  pains  me  not. 

[Breaks  the  shaft  and  draws  it  out. 

I  am  not  harmed. 

[SANDOVAL  seeks  to  staunch  the  blood,  tears 
his  mantle  and  winds  the  shreds  above 
the  wound. 

Maya.  [Softly  to  SANDOVAL,  but  her  words  are  heard 
by  one  of  their  attendants.]  Wind  the  shreds  lower  down. 
Be  not  alarmed. 

[She  becomes  unconscious.  They  place  her 
in  the  litter  and  bear  her  away.  SAND- 
OVAL  walks  by  her  side. 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  III. 

SCENE  I. 

Some  months  have  elapsed  since  the  second  act.    Palace 
at  Mani.     AHPULA  and  MAYA. 

Ahpula.     Where  is  thy  lord?    His  counsel  I  would  seek 
On  high  affairs  of  state.     Three  moons  ago 
Thou  know'st  a  messenger  from  Canek  came 
To  tell  me  he  repented  his  rash  act 
When  thee  he  struck,  seeking  to  slay  thy  lord ; 
And  the  old  chief  his  homage  sent,  and  love. 
Bacab,  the  emissary,  was  made  priest 
Of  Echuah,  but  one  night  he  disappeared 
And  none  can  tell  me  whither  he  has  gone. 
Now  come  fresh  messengers  to  say  the  chief 
Draws  nigh  with  weighty  matters  to  deliver. 
Maya. 

Trust  him  not!    Ahpula!    Father! 
When  his  name  I  hear  thee  speak. 
Keen  I  feel  his  stinging  arrow, 
Shrill  I  hear  his  piercing  shriek! 

Still  his  leering  eyes  pursue  me! 

With  me  would  the  monster  mate ! 
Every  fiber  of  my  being 

Stirs  with  loathing  and  with  hate! 


44  MAYA  ACT  in 

Ahpula.     But  when  thou  knewst  thy  husband  couldst 
not  die, 

Why  didst  thou  fling  thee  in  the  arrow's  path? 

Maya.     Far  more  than  life  I  loved  him.    When  I  saw 

The  arm  of  Canek  lifted  I  thought  not 

If  he  were  god  or  man.     I  only  saw 

The  arrow  and  my  husband ! 

Ahpula.      [Caressing  her.]  Dear  my  child, 

Thou  hast  the  heart  of  all  our  royal  line ! 

But  put  not  thus  again  thy  life  at  stake. 

Thou  canst  not  aid  thy  lord,  and  must  not  die, 

For  in  thee  is  the  hope  of  all  thy  race. 

[SANDOVAL,  who  has  become  the  Nacon  or 
general  of  the  king,  now  descends  the 
steps  of  the  temple  on  the  left.  Mean- 
while CANEK,  attended  by  a  cortege, 
approaches  from  the  right,  and  AHPULA'S 
five  councilors  come  down  the  center. 
SANDOVAL,  the  councilors,  and  CANEK, 
with  three  of  his  followers  [among  them 
BACAB,  priest  of  Echuah],  now  mount 
the  steps  of  the  palace.  When  they  reach 
the  platform  at  the  top,  CANEK  falls  to 
the  earth  before  the  king. 
Canek.  O  king,  forgiveness  grant  for  my  rash  words 

And  for  my  rage  at  thy  ambassador. 

So  greatly  did  I  love  thee  that  my  heart 

Was  filled  with  passion  when  I  saw  the  bride 

Whom  thou  hadst  promised  given  to  another; 

But  I  will  make  atonement,  for  I  come, 

Thy  faithful  slave,  to  show  thee  thou  art  wronged 


SCENE  i  MAYA  45 

In  thine  own  household  and  to  rescue  thee 
From  shame  and  ruin.     Bacab,  stand  thou  forth! 

[Pointing  to  SANDOVAL. 

Tell  what  this  false  god  spoke  when  thou  didst  lurk 
Within  the  temple's  chamber  and  didst  hear 
His  converse  with  his  bride. 

Bacab.  Bright  was  the  moon, 

The  city  was  asleep,  and  I  lay  hid 
Behind  the  curtain  in  the  temple  chamber 
Where  the  king's  daughter  with  her  lord  abides. 
Forth  to  the  terrace  they  together  walked 
While  I  peeped  out  and  saw  them,  and  I  heard 
His  faithless  words:    "Ah,  little  have  I  done 
To  earn  the  wealth  of  love  that  I  have  won !" 
She  answered,  "Though  thou  couldst  not  heal  my  wound 
When  Canek's  arrow  smote  me  and  I  swooned, 
I  cherish  thee  the  more,  for  how  could  I 
Be  the  brief  bride  of  one  who  could  not  die 

Nor  suffer?     Nay,  thy  very  need 

For  thee  did  plead 
More  than  the  strength  that  all  the  gods  could  give. 

I  saw  thee  doomed  to  die, 

I  loved  thee  utterly, 

I  bade  thee  rise,  become  a  god  and  live." 
Then  answered  he,  "Too  much  thy  words  do  prove, 
For  precious  as  thou  art  in  the  king's  eye, 

And  in  thy  people's  love, 

Little  thy  need  of  me 
A  wandering  outcast ;  yet  I  cherish  thee 
Beyond  all  price."     And  she,  "I  need  thee  not! 
The  world  would  be  a  desert  every  hour 


46  MAYA  ACT  in 

Wert  thou  not  at  my  side."     And  now  their  lips 

Together  came  and  to  the  chamber  both 

Withdrew.     Then  while,  they  seemed  to  sleep  I  rose 

From  my  dark  corner  and  the  curtain  drew 

Softly  to  steal  away.     But  as  I  passed 

The  moon   gleamed   through   the   doorway.     Then   she 

waked, 

Walked  to  the  terrace,  watched  the.  gleaming  skies 
And  the  white  town,  and  when  her  husband  followed 
I  heard  her  say  to  him,  "It  must  have  been 
Xibalba,  'he  who  fades,'  for  he  has  passed 
Like  a  soft  mist,  and  the  stars  shine  again." 

Canek.     He  hath  confessed  that  he  was  not  a  god 
Nor  could  he  heal  thy  daughter.     Let  him  die! 

[SANDOVAL  stands  confused  and  silent. 

Maya.     Wilt  thou  believe  the  tale  of  a  base  spy 
Who  lurked  and  vanished  like  the  Evil  One? 

Ahpula.     Why  does  the  god  not  speak?    Could  he  not 
heal  thee? 

Canek.     Nay,  let  us  try  him.     Put  his  sword  aside 
And  give  me  thine,  and  if  he  shall  not  fall, 
Offer  me  to  the  gods  in  sacrifice! 
I  cannot  harm  him  if  he  know  not  death — 
But  if  he  bleed  then  let  his  own  heart  smoke ! 

Maya.     Bitter  will  be  thy  punishment,  O  king, 
If  churl  of  thine  make  trial  of  a  god ! 

Ahpula.     But  thou  hast  spoken  of  thine  own  device, 
Not  at  the  god's  command.     Nay,  let  it  be 
As  Canek  says. 

[The  councilors  take  the  NACON'S  sword  and 
the  king  offers  his  own  to  CANEK. 


SCENE  i  MAYA  47 

Maya.     [Interposing.]      Stay!  not  upon  the  god, 
But  against  thee  will  Canek  lift  thy  sword! 

[The  KING  hesitates,  but  while  MAYA  is 
still  looking  at  her  father  CANEK  draws 
from  his  girdle  a  sharp  knife,  leaps  upon 
SANDOVAL  and  thrusts  the  blade  into  his 
side.  SANDOVAL  with  one  blow  fells 
CANEK  to  the  ground,  but  while  he  still 
writhes  at  the  KING'S  feet  the  old  chief 
cries  in  triumph, — 

Cani'k.     See!  the  god  bleeds!     Now  let  him  heal  him- 
self! [SANDOVAL  falls  unconscious.     Consternation. 
Ahpula.     Seize  the  false  god!     Bind  him  for  sacrifice! 
And  for  the  daughter  who  has  cozened  us, 
Within  the  penance  chamber  let  her  lie. 
Her  fate  we  shall  determine. 

Canek.  O  King!  grant 

That  I  may  take  the  place  of  the  false  god 
As  Nacon  of  the  king,  and  lead  his  troops 
Against  the  rebel  tribes.     And  when  they  fall 
And  we  return  in  triumph,  let  my  hand 
(Tho*  there  is  little  honor  in  the  deed) 
Tear  out  his  heart  and  offer  it  with  prayers 
To  our  offended  gods,  and  at  the  feast 
Do  thou  bring  forth  thy  daughter  and  command 
She  eat  the  meat  of  sacrifice.     To  me, 
As  thou  didst  promise,  grant  her  as  my  wife, 
To  keep  her  so  that  she  break  faith  no  more. 

Ahpula.     Go  forth  as  Nacon  of  the  king.     I  know 
Thy  skill  and  power  in  battle.     The  false  god 
Shall  perish  by  the  Nacon's  hand  indeed : 


48  MAYA  ACT  in 

For  this  his  task,  but  let  not  Maya  taste 

The  food  of  sacrifice,  nor  will  it  be 

Light  task  for  thee  to  keep  her  as  thy  bride. 

[MAYA,  unperceived,  has  picked  up  CANEK'S 

knife  and  hides  it. 

Canek.     Only  into  my  hands  deliver  her, 
And  old  although  I  be,  I  still  shall  find 
Some  gentle  way  to  make  her  serve  her  lord! 

i 
CURTAIN. 


ACT   III 
SCENE  II. 

The  same,  after  some  weeks.  SANDOVAL  is  brought 
forth  with  other  captives,  all  bound  for  sacrifice.  One  is 
already  stretched  upon  the  altar.  MAYA,  in  festal  gar- 
ments, with  sad  face,  but  eyes  gleaming  with  unshaken 
spirit.  CANEK,  his  long  hair  annointed  with  blood,  is 
acting  as  chief  sacrificial  priest.  Four  other  priests  hold 
the  arms  and  feet  of  the  captive  on  the  altar.  Other 
priests  behind.  The  KING,  QUEEN  and  court  attend. 

Chorus  [of  Sacrificial  priests.] 

Beat  the  tunkul,  strike  the  drum! 

Kukulcan,  to  thee  we  come, 

Bless  thee  that  we  met  the  foe, 

Smote  him  sore  and  laid  him  low! 

Make  us  triumph  once  again! 

Give  us  offspring,  health,  and  rain. 

See  what  troop  of  slaves  we  bring! 

Sacrifice  them  while  we  sing! 

Human  hearts  thy  maw  shall  sate — 

See  them  smoke  and  palpitate! 

Canek.     Next  let  us  place  the  pale  god  on  the  altar. 
Ahpula.     [To    MAYA.]     Stay,   child,    thou    hast   de- 
ceived me,  and  the  god 
Whom  thou  didst  bring  was  false.     Therefore  the  chief 


50  MAYA  ACT  in 

To  whom  I  promised  thee  may  claim  thy  hand. 
Canek  shall  be  thy  husband. 

Maya.  Dost  thou  dream 

That  for  a  single  hour  I  would  survive 
My  lord,  or  fancy  I  would  live  the  bride 

[Drawing  forth  the  knife  wound  in  the  tresses 

of  her  hair. 

One  moment  of  his  murderer?     Nay,  come 
Not  near,  or  at  one  blow  shall  perish 
The  hope  of  all  thy  line !     And  must  I  slay 
The  child  whose  heart  beats  under  mine?     Then  last 
Of  all  thy  race  thou  shalt  be,  for  my  knife 
Shall  not  be  put  aside  till  thou  hast  freed 
My  lord  and  pledged  to  me  thy  royal  word 
He  may  go  forth  in  peace,  and  I  will  follow. 

[The  QUEEN-MOTHER  plucks  AHPULA'S  robe 
and  supplicates  him. 

Queen.     Bethink  thee,  O  my  lord,  we  must  not  lose 
Our  child.     Long  years  have  I  watched  over  her 
And  loved  her,  and  she  ever  was  the  pride 
Of  thine  own  heart.     Hard,  when  at  thy  command, 
I  spoke  not  with  her  nor  looked  upon  her  face 
During  the  days  of  her  captivity. 
Yet  thou  didst  will  it,  and  I  did  obey. 
But  now,  sweet  lord,  we  must  not  see  her  die ! 
Pardon  her  and  the  stranger  whom  she  loves, 
And  set  them  free! 

Ahpula.     [Aside.]     Perhaps  I  love  her  more 
Because  she  hath  defied  me.     [Aloud.]     Ahkin  Mai, 
Pronounce  thy  judgment.     May  the  twain  depart? 


SCENE  ii  MAYA  51 

Ah  kin  Mai.     [Aside,  with  deep  feeling.]      Lo!    I  have 

been  the  teacher  of  this  child, 

And  love  her.     [Aloud.]     Great  has  been  the  sacrilege, 
But  let  the  deathless  gods  avenge  the  deed. 
Thy  daughter  must  not  die  while  Mani  lacks 
An  heir.     Let  them  depart. 

Ahpula.  Canek  shall  speak. 

Canek.     If  they  must  go,  O  king,  let  Maya  swear 
That  she  will  send  her  child  when  it  is  weaned 
Back  to  thy  court.     To  Mani  will  I  come 
And  rear  it  for  my  own,  and  be  its  sire, 
For  is  not  that  my  right?     Was  not  the  maid 
First  pledged  to  me?     And  if  the  king  should  die 
Ere  the  babe  come  to  manhood,  I  shall  rule. 

Ahpula.     [Making  proclamation]     So  shall  it  be.   My 

daughter  may  depart 

With  the  false  lord  by  whom  she  was  beguiled. 
But  they  shall  dwell  far  from  the  homes  of  men. 
And  when  their  child  is  weaned,  it  shall  be  sent 
To  Mani,  and  Canek  shall  be  its  sire. 
This  must  my  daughter  with  an  oath  confirm. 

Maya.     [Aside.]     What  oath  will  I  not  take  to  save 

my  lord  ? 
[Aloud.]      May  every  god  afflict  me  if  I  fail! 

[SANDOVAL  is  released  from  his  bonds.  KING, 
QUEEN,  and  followers  depart.  The 
QUEEN  reluctant,  looking  often  back  at 
her  daughter.  MAYA'S  maidens  remain. 
CANEK  lingers  behind,  eyeing  MAYA  and 
SANDOVAL  keenly. 


52  MAYA  ACT  in 

Canek.     [Aside.]     It  is  but  for  a  time !    For  when  the 

child 

Is  born,  the  king  shall  die  and  none  will  know 
Why  he  hath  sickened.     And  when  Canek  reigns 

[Pointing  to  MAYA  and  SANDOVAL. 
Their  hearts  shall  smoke  in  bloody  sacrifice!  [Exit. 

Sandoval.     But  whither  lies  our  path? 

Maya.  To  great  Uxmal, 

The  long  forsaken  city  of  my  sires, 
Where  there  are  stately  dwellings  in  whose  halls 
The  last  of  Uxmal's  line  may  find  a  home. 
Our  love  will  greater  grow  in  solitude, 
Till  in  some  happier  hour  we  shall  return. 
What  says  my  lord  ? 

Sandoval.  In  forest  or  in  court 

If  thou  art  there  it  will  be  paradise! 

CURTAIN. 


ACT   III 
SCENE  III. 

Court  in  front  of  the  House  of  the  Nuns  at  UxmaL 
Small  bushes  are  growing  in  the  foreground  and  on  the 
roof.  The  House  of  the  Diviner  rises  behind  it.  Orioles 
are  singing  in  the  thickets.  SANDOVAL  and  MAYA  enter 
from  the  right,  MAYA  bearing  her  child. 

Maya. 

Hark !  how  clear  that  warbler  sings, 

Full  and  high  in  gladsome  measures 
While  with  joy  and  pride  he  brings 

To  the  mother  bird  his  treasures! 
Hear  her  answer  low  and  soft 

While  above  her  brood  she  hovers, 
To  the  notes  that  from  aloft 

Tell  us  that  the  twain  are  lovers ! 
Ah,  dear  my  lord,  e'en  thou  would'st  strive  in  vain 
To  sing  for  me  so  passionate  a  strain ! 
Sandoval. 

But  well  I  know  no  bird  in  any  tree 
Has  ever  loved  its  mate  as  I  love  thee! 
Maya. 

When  me,  a  tender  babe  a  s'nnight  old, 

My  father  to  the  temple  chamber  brought ; 
He  laid  me  on  a  bed  of  ashes  cold 
That  out  of  fragrant  leaves  the  priests  had  wrought. 


54  MAYA  ACT  in 

And  when  my  tiny  form  the  ashes  pressed 
That  smooth  and  white  upon  the  altar  lay, 

The  priests  with  solemn  chant  the  chamber  blessed, 
And  then  with  reverent  footsteps  went  their  way. 

What  next  upon  the  ashes  they  might  find, 
What  mark  of  bird  or  beast  or  creeping  thing, 

With  mine  that  creature's  fate,  should  be  entwined, 
Whether  to  run  or  crawl  or  spread  the  wing. 

And  when  the  priests  returned  to  learn  my  doom 
They  found  the  footprints  of  an  oriole! 

Somewhere  that  bird,  with  black  and  yellow  plume 
Pours  forth  in  song  the  echoes  of  my  soul ! 

In  all  its  joys  and  raptures  I  shall  share, 

Its  strains  of  gladness  piercing  the  bright  sky, 

Its  load  of  grief  and  sorrow  I  must  bear, 
And  if  it  perish,  in  that  hour  I  die. 

When  to  the  land  of  shadows  I  shall  come 

Into  a  bird  shall  Ixtab  change  my  soul, 
And  in  the  trees  that  overhang  my  tomb 

Thou'lt  hear  the  carol  of  the  oriole. 

[Pointing  to  the  fagade  of  the  Nun's  House. 
How  fair  this  temple,  radiant  as  a  star! 

Had  Canek  not  betrayed  us,  here  thy  throne 
Had  been  established. 

Sandoval.  Yet  more  precious  far 

Will  be  these  quiet  days  with  thee  alone ! 

The  mother  singing  to  her  child,  the  wife — 
Such  kingdom  is  a  fairer  destiny! 


SCENE  in  MAYA  55 

Maya. 

Alas!  that  word!     The  child!     How  like  a  knife 

It  pierces  me!     With  his  first  baby  cry 
And  pressure  of  his  tiny  fingers,  came 

The  dreadful  thought  that  he  was  only  ours 
For  his  brief  nursing  time.  His  tender  frame 

We  well  may  cherish  and  may  gather  flowers 
To  twine  around  him,  yet  when  first  his  heart 

Awakens  and  the  childish  prattle  flows 
From  his  soft  ruddy  lips,  then  must  we  part 

And  all  the  petals  fall  from  our  sweet  rose! 
He  will  be  more  than  lost — our  radiant  child! 

His  mother's  memory  will  hateful  grow! 
By  Canek's  cold  and  slimy  touch  defiled, 

His  charms  will  wither  and  his  laughter  go! 

Sfindoval.     But  in  the  Maya  land  no  child  is  weaned 
Till  the  third  year — there  is  still  breathing  time. 
Canek  is  old,  and  the  avenging  gods 
May  drag  his  soul  to  Mitnal.     Should  he  die, 
Surely  thy  father  will  relent  and  call  us 
Back  to  the  court  at  Mani,  where  the  child, 
To  manhood  grown,  shall  in  some  happier  hour 
Reign  king,  and  thou  and  I  abide  with  him ! 

Maya. 

I  cannot  part  with  him!    His  winsome  ways 
And  trustful  smiles  twine  close  about  my  heart! 
He  speaks  no  word,  yet  well  I  understand! 
If  he  were  grown  and  uttered  thoughts  mature 
I  would  not  know  the  meaning  half  so  well ! 
Yester  morn  when  we  together 


56  MAYA  ACT  in 

Sat  behind  the  heavy  curtain 
In  the  doorway  of  our  chamber 
And  a  sunbeam  through  the  cranny 
Just  beside  the  curtain  entered, 
He  upon  my  knee  was  sitting 
And  he  clutched  the  ray  that  glittered 
With  its  countless  atoms  floating 
In  the  pathway  of  the  sunbeam. 
Then  thy  face  before  the  doorway 
Came,  and  when  the  gleam  had  vanished, 
How  his  eyes  grew  big  with  wonder ! 
When  thy  face  again  withdrawing 
Brought  the  sunbeam,  how  he  grasped  it! 
Then  once  more  it  fled,  till  seeing 
Face  and  shadow  come  together, 
With  cry  of  baby  laughter 
Thee  he  caught  and  held  in  triumph! 
Sandoval. 

That  day,  too,  dost  thou  remember, 
When  we  brought  him  to  the  altar 
That  was  decked  with  Ixchel's  image — 
He,  his  little  hands  outstretching, 
Sought  to  grasp  it,  while  we  held  him. 
Thrice  he  struggled,  then  gave  over 
His  pursuit  of  things  forbidden, 
And  yet  every  day  thereafter 
When  he  passed  the  precious  image, 
Held  his  hands  forth  while  his  fingers 
Opening,  closing,  told  us  plainer 
Far  than  words  his  hopeless  longing 
For  the  thing  he  might  not  touch. 


SCENE  in  MAYA  57 

Thus  we  stretch  forth  our  hands.     Is  it  for  fame? 
Fame  vanishes.     Or  power?     For  power  is  broken. 
Or  treasures  which  the  moth  and  rust  corrupt? 
Or  is  it  love?     For  pitiless  death  hides  love 
Within  the  tomb.     We  know  not.     We  are  borne 
Hither  and  thither  and  with  outstretched  hands 
Cry  to  the  winds,  and  who  shall  answer  us? 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I. 

The  same.  A  year  has  elapsed.  The  child  has  died. 
SANDOVAL  enters  from  the  right.  After  a  few  moments 
enter  AMBASSADOR  from  AHPULA,  with  royal  insignia 
and  train.  Salutations. 

Ambassador. 

Ahpula's  daughter  too,  I  fain  would  see, 
My  message  is  for  her  as  well  as  thee. 

Sandoval. 

Within  the  temple  chamber  ill  she  lies 
By  Canek's  arrow  struck,  and  cannot  rise. 

Ambassador. 

Ahpula  yearns  to  look  upon  her  face 
And  hear  her  voice,  and  of  his  royal  grace 
Bids  you  to  Mani.     Sooner  had  he  sent, 
But  knew  that  Canek  on  revenge  was  bent. 
Yet  now  in  Canek's  death  that  fear  is  past 
And  his  forgiveness  comes  to  you  at  last. 

Sandoval.      [Aside.]     In  other  days  what  joy !    To-day 

what  pain! 

Is  it  too  late?     [Aloud.]     When  she  grows  strong  again 
Together  back  to  Mani  will  we  fare, 
But  now  our  thanks  and  homage  thou  must  bear. 

Ambassador.     The  king  would  hear  the  tale  how  Canek 
died. 


60  MAYA  ACT  iv 

Sandoval.     To  Chatemal  we  fared  with  our  scant  train 
To  bring  our  comfort  to  a  dying  friend. 
Returning,  the  third  night,  in  a  thick  grove 
We  slept,  till  cries  of  owls  awakened  us. 
And  Maya  asked  what  might  such  voices  mean. 
Then  a  dark  figure  glided  through  the  gloom. 
We  stood  upon  our  guard.     Soon  a  hoarse  scream 
Rent  the  still  air,  and  then  came  answering  cries 
From  every  bush,  while  Canek's  warriors  rushed 
To  seize  and  bind  us.     Backed  by  the  broad  trunk 
Of  a  great  elm  I  stood.    The  moon  shone  low 
Behind  and  lit  the  form  of  every  foe, 
Till  one  by  one  I  slew  them.     Then  I  saw 
Two  warriors  of  Canek's  troop  steal  forth 
Behind  the  princess.     Her  they  dragged  away, 
I  followed.     One  I  slew,  the  other  fled. 
And  now  our  men  fell  on  the  foe  behind 
And  scattered  them.     With  curses  wild,  the  chief 
Essayed  to  stay  their  flight  and,  failing,  drew 
His  bow.     Maya  he  smote.     Slight  was  the  wound, 
But  it  heals  not!     Then  he,  too,  turned  and  fled! 
I  pressed  him  hard  till  he  was  brought  to  bay. 
Madly  he  fought,  but  soon  I  laid  him  dead, 
With  hate  still  gleaming  from  his  staring  eyes. 

Ambassador.     As  thou  hast  told  it  I  the  tale  will  tell. 
The  king  awaits  your  coming.     Fare  thee  well. 

[Exit  with  train. 

Sandoval. 
In  all  the  years  since  first  she  was  my  bride 

I  never  yet  returned  but  she  was  there 
To  greet  me.     Now  the  curtains  open  wide, 


SCENE  i  MAYA  61 

Yet  empty  is  the  doorway!     Dumb  despair 

Clutches  my  soul !     Low  through  the  sultry  air 

The  rooks  wheel  mournfully.     What  may  befall 
Too  well  I  know,  though  my  lips  do  not  dare 

Utter  the  thought  that  like  a  somber  pall 

Stifles  my  struggling  breath  in  fears  prophetical! 

Accursed  Canek!     Slight  was  Maya's  wound, 

Yet  would  not  heal.     She  languished  day  by  day, 

And  yester  night  upon  her  couch  she  swooned 

And  knew  me  not,  and  in  the  morning  gray 
Could  not  arise;  and  when  I  must  away, 

Faint  was  her  smile,  cold  was  the  kiss  she  gave, 
And  in  her  dark  eyes  sparkled  not  a  ray! 

From  Canek's  poisoned  arrow  who  can  save? 

What  power  redeem  her  life  from  the  expectant  grave? 

When  that  grim  chief  I  slew,  I  still  could  see 

The  smile  of  glittering  triumph  in  his  eye, 
And  as  he  lay  in  death  he  stared  on  me, 

A  grisly  fiend  whose  hate  could  never  die. 
With  his  last  breath  he  mocked  me,  "Live  your  lie, 
False  god,  with  this  false  priestess!"  shrill  he  cried. 

"But  now  her  days  are  numbered!     Death  is  nigh! 
Look !    See  him !    Black  Yuncemil  at  her  side, 
Clutching  in  bony  arms  his  new,  reluctant  bride!" 

Enter  MAYA  through  the  central  doorway,  borne  by  her 
maidens  on  an  uncovered  litter  or  cot,  on  which  she  lies 
unconscious,  and  which  they  place  on  the  terrace  in  front 
of  the  doorway.  SANDOVAL  mounts  the  terrace  and  the 


62  MAYA  ACT  iv 

low  sobs  of  the  maidens  are  heard.    As  SANDOVAL  reaches 
the  litter  and _  bends  over  it  they  withdraw. 

SandovaL 
My  queen !  my  life !    O  steal  not  thus  away 

Without  one  smile  for  him  who  loves  thee  best ! 

Look!  'tis  thy  husband's  lips  on  thine  are  pressed 
As  tenderly  as  on  thy  wedding  day ! 

Never  before  thy  answering  caress 

Failed  when  I  called  thee.    Dear,  dost  thou  not  know 
'Tis  I  who  hold  thee  close  to  shield  thee — so, — 

And  kiss  thy  brow  and  stroke  each  shining  tress  ? 

Maya.    Ah!  Canek!     Fiend!     Let  him  not  clutch  our 
child! 

SandovaL    But  Canek  is  no  more.    Hush !  All  is  well. 
Maya.    I  saw  him  leering  mid  the  flames  of  hell ! 
SandovaL    Nay,  still  thy  fluttering  heart !    'Twas  I  who 
smiled!          [MAYA  falls  back  upon  the  litter  unconscious. 
SandovaL     [Kneeling.] 
O  gracious  Lord,  I  will  not  ask  her  life, 
But  for  her  last  low  words  of  love  I  yearn, 
And  that  her  quiet  spirit  may  return 
From  paths  of  madness  and  from  dreams  of  strife. 

[Evening  comes  on.  MAYA  slowly  awakens, 
looks  around  distraught,  recognizes 
SANDOVAL,  and  smiles. 


SCENE  i  MAYA  63 

Maya.     [Caressing  him.] 

Love,  is  it  thou? 

A  vision  strange  I  dreamed. 
It  was  the  heart  of  the  immortal  night, 

We  stood  upon  the  brow 
Of  the  Diviner's  House,  and  silently 
Into  the  mystery  of  the  solemn  sky 

Long  did  we  gaze,  till  bright 
The  Southern  Cross  arose,  and  lo!  it  seemed 
Between  its  four  great  stars  the  while  we  stood, 

A  countless  multitude 
Of  lesser  lights  came  forth  from  out  the  blue, 

And  slowly  grew 

Into  a  mass  of  burning,  dazzling  gold ! 
Then  on  the  Cross  was  limned  a  form  and  face, 
Sad,  suffering,  fair,  its  pallid  features  crowned 

With  tender  grace. 
And  now  from  all  around 

Came  starry  groups  in  figures  manifold, 
Of  children  with  bright  wings 

That  floating  by  the  cross  in  cherub  throngs, 

Touched  the  soft  strings 

Of  tiny  instruments,  and  sang  caressing  songs, 
Till  the  deep  heavens  rejoiced  at  the  sweet  strain 
And  the  sad  face  smiled  through  His  tears  and  pain! 

Our  child  was  there, 
And  held  his  tiny  hands  to  the  pale  God 
As  he  had  held  them  once  to  Ixchcl's  form. 
Then  the  bright  cross  dissolved  and  garments  white 
Upon  the  figure  fell.    Up  through  the  sky 


64  MAYA  ACT  iv 

He  floated,  and  the  children  followed  Him. 

Now  far  beneath,  the  constellations  grouped 

Themselves  again,  and  in  wild  flames  they  leaped 

Up  to  the  shining  Form,  but  touched  it  not. 

Amid  the  fires  I  saw  a  hideous  face 

I  knew  too  well.     It  bore  the  cruel  lips 

And  leering  eyes  of  Peten-Itza's  lord. 

His  gaze  was  fastened  on  one  child  alone — 

On  ours — and  the  old  chief  struggled  hard 

To  clutch  and  drag  him  down  into  the  flames. 

But  the  Bright  Being  in  the  shining  robes 

Stretched  forth  His  arms.    "Nay,  he  is  mine,"  He  cried, 

And  took  the  child  and  held  him  to  His  breast 

And  there  the  boy  lay  quietly  and  slept, 

As  on  his  mother's  bosom. 

With  love  unspeakable  my  heart  was  filled 

For  the  dear  God  that  plucked  our  boy  from  harm 

And  sheltered  him  in  His  protecting  arm 

And  my  dumb  terrors  stilled. 
Zamna,  nor  Kukulcan,  nor  the  "Sun's  Eye," 

Is  such  as  He. 

Let  me  but  keep  my  garden  when  I  die — 
My  birds  that  sing  in  the  immortal  tree — 

And  I  will  follow  thee, 
With  thee  adore  that  pitying  face  divine — 
Thy  God  and  thy  Redeemer  shall  be  mine! 

[She   falls   into    unconsciousness  again,   then 

awakens  with  a  start. 

Even  now  He  calls  me.     See  His  beckoning  hand ! 
Now  must  I  go  to  Him! 


SCENE  i  MAYA  65 

Sandoval.     [With    choking   voice. "\      Nay,   my   sweet 

queen, 

With  me  shalt  thou  abide.     To  the  king's  court 
Shall  \ve  return  and  many  a  golden  year 
Together  dwell. 

Maya.  Nay,  husband  mine,  not  there! 

For  I  must  sleep  a  little  with  my  child. 
But  fear  not,  I  will  come,  as  I  have  said, 
And  flutter  round  thee  as  in  other  days. 
We  still  shall  dwell  together,  not  at  Mani, 
But  in  the  garden  by  the  Tree  of  Life! 

[Her  eyes  close  in  death.     The  song  of  an 
oriole  is  heard. 

CURTAIN. 


ACT  V. 

SCENE  I. 

Years  have  passed.  The  Spaniards  have  conquered 
Yucatan  and  established  their  capital  at  Merida,  where 
they  are  now  building  their  cathedral.  The  scene  shows 
a  grove  outside  the  city.  A  great  ceiba  in  the  background. 
An  altar  upon  a  small  eminence.  Bishop,  priests,  and 
friars.  A  multitude  of  Spaniards  and,  in  the  outskirts, 
natives,  drawn  by  curiosity  to  see  the  spectacle.  A  wed- 
ding procession  enters  from  the  left,  led  by  maids  of  honor. 

Maids. 

Man  may  dream  of  power  and  glory, 

Woman  sighs  for  love  alone. 
Man  would  write  his  name  in  story, 

Win  an  empire,  fill  a  throne; 

But  the  maiden's  dream  is  purer, 

Valor's  homage,  poet's  lay, 
These  the  jewels  that  allure  her, 

And  the  crown — her  wedding  day! 

MARIA,  Countess  of  Millaflores,  follows  on  her  father's 
arm.  The  maidens  separate  into  two  lines  and  she 
walks  between  them,  followed  by  SANDOVAL,  conduct- 
ing the  mother  of  the  countess.  Maids  sing. 


68  MAYA  ACT  v 

Maids. 

Gracious  skies  are  bending  o'er  thee, 

Happy  maiden!     Blest  thy  state, 
With  such  bridegroom  to  adore  thee, 
Proud  and  brave  and  rich  and  great ! 
[SANDOVAL  and  MARIA  stand  before  the  altar, 
ready    to    pronounce   their   vows.      The 
BISHOP  of  Merida  delivers  to  them  his 
exhortation. 

Bishop.    The  Lord  Himself  ordained  the  Sacrament 
Wherein  ye  shall  be  joined.     Joyous  the  rite, 
Yet  if  defiled  by  passions  obdurate, 
The  hopes  will  wither  and  the  joy  will  fade. 
Then  purify  your  souls,  invoke  the  Lord 
Whose  presence  blessed  the  twain  at  Cana's  feast, 
To  sanctify  your  nuptials  till  they  shine, 
An  emblem  of  the  sacred  bond  that  joins 
Christ  with  his  church  for  all  eternity. 

[Silence.     The  song  of  an  oriole  is  heard. 
Wilt  thou,  Pedro,  this  woman,  Mary,  take 
To  be  thy  wife,  according  to  the  rite 
Of  our  most  Holy  Mother  Church  of  God  ? 

[A  deathly  pallor  is  seen  on  SANDOVAI/S  face. 
He  cannot  speak.  The  music  of  the 
songs  he  has  sung  with  MAYA  is  faintly 
heard  from  behind  the  scenes.  He  seems 
unconscious  of  what  is  around  him,  but 
mechanically  draws  out  a  wedding-ring. 
An  oriole  descends  and  lights  upon  the 
hand  that  holds  it.  The  music  continues. 
The  oriole's  song  is  stifled  and  the  bird 


SCENE  i  MAYA  69 

hides  in  the  folds  of  his  cloak.  SANDOVAL 
falls.  Amazement.  In  opening  his  gar- 
ments to  give  him  air  a  golden  medal  is 
found  hanging  by  a  chain  from  his  neck. 
The  BISHOP  examines  it,  and  finds  on  it 
the  image  of  a  serpent  with  feathers.  He 
recoils,  flings  the  medal  away,  and  looks 
with  scorn  upon  the  dead  SANDOVAL. 
Lifting  his  hands  the  BlSHOP  cries  to  the 
multitude. 
Bishop. 

The  doom  of  heresy,  foul,  unconfessed ! 
The  proof  was  here  upon  his  guilty  breast ! 

[Confusion.     The  bride  is  borne  away.     The 
MONKS   gather   around   the    body    and 
chant. 
Monks. 

It  is  the  wrath  of  God !    "I  will  repay," 
The  Lord  hath  said.    Let  them  who  disobey 
And  wander  in  the  wilderness  astray, 
Fear  Him  who  drags  into  the  light  of  day 
Their  secret  sins !    He  doeth  all  things  well ! 
Crushing  His  foes  in  retribution  fell, 
Hurling  the  infidel  to  flames  of  hell! 
To  His  avenging  power  let  the  loud  anthem  swell ! 

[All  retire,  leaving  the  corpse  alone.  One 
MONK,  however,  drawn  by  pity,  remains 
and  leans  over  it. 


70  MAYA  ACT  v 

Monk. 

Poor  soul,  for  whom  Christ  died,  how  can  they  tell 

How  sore  thou  wert  distressed! 
What  recollection,  torturing  as  hell, 

Thy  heavy  heart  oppressed! 

Was  it  memory  of  a  bygone  love 

That  smote  and  quenched  thy  life? 
I  too  have  loved !     None  knows  save  One  above 

How  bitter  was  the  strife! 

Did  thy  faith  falter?     So  too  upon  me 
Hath  doubt's  dark  shadow  pressed ; 
Yet  He  forgave !     So  may  He  pardon  thee 
And  fold  thee  to  His  breast! 

[Kneels,  makes  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  kisses 
SANDOVAI/S  forehead.  The  music  of  the 
songs  which  SANDOVAL  and  MAYA  sang 
together  is  heard  in  the  distance,  and 
two  orioles  from  the  thickets  close  at 
hand  take  their  flight,  side  by  side,  to  the 
great  ceiba  in  the  background,  where 
they  sing  loud  and  clear  and  then  spread 
their  wings  and  soar  together  into  the 
blue  sky. 

CURTAIN. 


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